11 soldiers feared killed in Kaduna armed bandits’ attack
*Army denies knowledge of killings
• El-Rufai condoles with military
Armed bandits, believed to be herdsmen yesterday, stormed a military camp in Doka community in Birni Gwari local government of Kaduna State where they opened fire on the soldiers who were sleeping, killing 11 in the process.
The soldiers were said to be on special operations in Birnin Gwari local council area of Kaduna State.
The bandits were said to have carry out the attack to avenge the killing of their leader, known as Buhari Tsoho, in crossfire with security men in Zamfara State two weeks ago.
A source that pleaded anonymity said the bandits attacked the soldier’s camp between 8:00 and 9:00 pm on Tuesday killing three soldiers in a hole and nine others in the camp making 12 casualties.
Another top source that witnessed the attack confirmed that he saw 11 bodies after the attack.
The source however hinted that men of Nigerian Army were still waiting for directive on the next line of action from Army authority as at the time of filing this report.
He said that several wounded soldiers received treatment in a hospital before they were conveyed to military hospital in Kaduna.
It was gathered that nine people, mostly vigilance group, were critically injured at Maganda.
The armed bandits moved toward Kampan in Doka at the junction, leading to Gwaska and Dansadau but the gallant soldiers and brave youths of Doka successfully repelled the attack around 11.00 pm (Tuesday night).
There have been several attacks by armed bandit in Birni Gwari communities recently, before soldiers were deployed to area.
When contacted, Assistant Director, Public Relations, 1 Division Mechanised Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Colonel Mohammed Dole said the army will issue a press statement on the development.
The Nigerian Army also denied knowledge of the reported killings.
Army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, said that the headquarters was yet to get the report on the alleged killing just as he said he cannot confirm the authenticity or otherwise of the report.
“I am still waiting for it, since morning, it’s been the issue of Dapchi schoolgirls, so we have not heard about that one. Even our officers in Kaduna who I called, said they would find out and get back to me. But as I am talking to you, they have not reached back to me.’’
Meanwhile, the Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-rufai has condoled families of security personnel that lost their lives in the course of repelling the bandits, he also wished civilians that sustained injuries speedy recovery.
El-rufai called for sustained collaboration between communities and security forces to overcome banditry.
The governor in a statement issued by his spokesperson,Samuel Aruwan, said that the government is monitoring developments in Birnin Gwari local council.
According him, “ Malam Nasir El-rufai received with sadness reports of bandit attacks in Doka and Maganda villages. He praised the communities for their vigilance and their collaboration with the military to thwart the attacks. The governor said the state regrets the loss of lives and offered his condolence to the communities and the military over the incident.’’
He reiterated “the firm resolve of the government to overcome rural banditry, with the support of communities and the assistance of security assets provided by the Federal Government.
Aruwan said the government treats every security information with the utmost agency, as it discharges its obligation to protect lives and property.”
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